Darrent Williams’ mom visits Broncos, goes to practice

IRVING, Texas — The Denver Broncos surrounded the mother of slain cornerback Darrent Williams, then she broke the huddle by leading her son’s signature saying after watching the team practice for the first time since his death.

“It was special for everyone involved,” coach Mike Shanahan said.

Rosalind Williams visited with several Broncos coaches and players at their hotel earlier Thursday. While reluctant at first, she then decided to attend the last of four practices over two days against the Dallas Cowboys — not far from her Fort Worth home.

Williams sat with family members on a shade-covered bleacher. When the 90-minute practice ended, safety John Lynch came and got Williams, then escorted her to the team.

“It was good for everyone,” Lynch said. “I know it was difficult for them, and difficult for us. In the end, it’s another step in the healing process.”

Darrent Williams was slain on New Year’s Day in Denver in a drive-by shooting that remains unsolved.

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Shanahan embraced Rosalind Williams, then shared a few words with the players, who applauded. Williams then led the team’s customary practice-ending chant of “All Ready!” — the cornerback’s catchphrase that has become a team motto.

“I know it was tough on her,” Shanahan said. “Obviously coming out here, she wasn’t really sure she could keep her emotions in check. She shared with me she was very happy she did.”

Williams walked off the field with players and team security around her didn’t allow reporters close enough to ask questions.

“It’s difficult to see them, difficult knowing they’re in town,” Rosalind Williams told the AP on Wednesday night. “But I feel good they’re near and they’re close. That makes me feel good. … Just seeing each other is going to be a lot of therapy. It will give us all strength.”

The Broncos traveled as a team together to Fort Worth for his funeral.

At the NFL’s request, Rosalind Williams taped a message that was shown to all 32 NFL teams this preseason during the league’s annual player safety meetings. She said her message was: “Never think you’re too safe. Always be careful of your surroundings and be aware of your surroundings.”

Her son was killed when his limousine, in which teammate Javon Walker also was riding, was sprayed with bullets minutes after leaving a New Year’s Eve party at a club in downtown Denver.

There are several suspected gang members in custody on federal drug charges that police believe have information on who pulled the trigger and killed the 24-year-old cornerback who had just completed his second year in the NFL.

Walker, who cradled Darrent Williams in his arms as the cornerback died, and Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens visited Rosalind Williams during a break in practice Thursday. The receivers hugged and then chatted with her for several minutes.

“It definitely puts life in perspective, your job in perspective, and it makes you realize what’s most important for you,” said Owens, who gave her a football. “Any time you lose a loved one, that’s devastating.”